by Dan Gilfillan
As gifted as he is pretentious, Adel Taarabt well and truly splits the footballing divide amongst fans, coaches and journalists alike. On one hand there is the ridiculously skilful, clinically accurate and superbly creative Moroccan who was dubbed upon joining Tottenham Hotspurs as ‘the next Zidane.’ On the other hand, however, is the petulant, egotistic and quite frankly deluded man-child who, after being linked with a transfer to Italian giants AC Milan, was said to have uttered “They’re no longer a part of the top clubs. However, if I joined Milan then it would open up the doors for me to great clubs like Real Madrid and Barca.”
Almost immediately after Taarabt’s PR reluctantly released their stropping client’s statement, Milan immediately pulled out of the deal for the 23 year old. Incensed that the QPR midfielder had referred to the seven-time champions of Europe as a stepping-stone onto bigger and better things, the Rossoneri wanted nothing to do with him. Sadly, this is too often the case with Moroccan.
I use the word ‘sadly’ because this would not matter if we were talking about, for instance, Taarabt’s team mate Shaun Derry, an unspectacular 35 year old on his way out of the game. This is a rather sad scenario because, on his day, Taraabt can be virtually unplayable. In the 2010-11 season, the Moroccan scored 19 goals in 40 starts, was voted Championship player of the year and almost single-handedly won the Hoops promotion into the Premiership.
Most Premier League fans will only have seen glimpses of Taarabt’s talent, for example when he gave what Harry Redknapp described as one of ‘the great all-time performances’ against QPR’s London rivals Fulham, scoring both of his side’s goals in a 2-1 win. Regrettably, these moments are few and far between from Taarabt.
With so much to give, it is depressing that Taarabt so rarely shows the desire to showcase his gifts. The vast majority of the time, he is a forlorn figure at Loftus Road, seeming to be waiting for a big club to come and whisk him away from his West London nightmare. His footballing ability is unanimously appreciated. His attitude, however, is not.
Poor article. Sorry but this is lazy journalism. This story would have been correct anytime last season, and even probably at the beginning of this season but anyone who has watched QPR over the last few months couldn’t fail to see the improvement in Tarrabts work rate, team work and his ability to follow his defensive duties responsibly. Despite previous rumours, he is not disruptive in the changing room and by all accounts is a superb pro on the training ground and a devout Muslim. Never drinks or is seen out late at clubs etc. An inaccurate and poorly written piece. Sorry.
What a shoddy poor excuse of an article based on stuff 2 years old. You’ve obviously not been watching him this season where he has worked as hard as anyone in the team even before Hughes went having signed a 4 year contract at a club with fans where the appreciation is mutual.
Sorry , but this is complete nonsense.
A forlorn figure the vast majority of the time? Anyone who has watched Adel this season, especially since Redknapp has taken over, would tell you he is now one of our hardest working players and seems to actually be enjoying himself more than ever at Rangers.
Yes, he says stupid things to the press alot. And he’s not as good as he thinks he is. But does he come across as someone desperate to leave the club with a stinking attitude? Maybe a few years ago, but I challenge you to find me one QPR fan who holds this opinion of him now.
Basically, this article is based on a “perception” of Adel rather than on an informed opinion who has actually watched him.
A well written article and so true.
I myself am moroccan just like Taarabt and i can say that I have never seen another Moroccan player with that talent/ability and potential. When you look at his ability there is no doubt he can be worldclass. His game has become better, he plays more maturely now but like you said he is still a man child. His attitude is not right and it is indeed sad to see and this is the reason why he still plays in a team that fights to avoid relegation. But still wish him the best and even though he’s let many moroccans down by that rift between him and Taoussi i still hope his attitude one day changes for the good and become the player he can be.
I love taarabt’s skill, and I really do feel great when he smiles genuinely on the pitch. But he seems to have lost that love for the club. If we get relegated this season, I think he will be one of the first to leave. If he doesn’t, and stays to try and get us back in the top flight, then he will be my favourite player ever.